Former Zionsville middle school teacher arrested on child seduction charges

UPDATE - Plewa was sentenced on 10/25/17 to two years of probation following his 2016 arrest on child seduction charges.

Original Story:

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. (April 21, 2016)-- A former Zionsville West Middle School orchestra teacher was arrested Thursday on four counts of child seduction.

Police received a report on March 16 of a young female who said she had a sexting relationship with Michael Plewa, 33, while attending the middle school.

According to police, while she was in eighth grade, she said she began a relationship with Plewa that included sexual innuendos, photos and suggestive comments. The relationship allegedly continued into her freshman year of high school. Her parents found out about text messages between them and the relationship ended.

The case is still under investigation. Plewa's initial hearing is set for 2 p.m. Friday in Boone County.

“On March 21, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office notified ZCS about an investigation they were conducting which involved an allegation of inappropriate communications by a ZWMS teacher with a former student. ZCS cooperated fully with law enforcement, and I thank them for their efforts to inform us in these matters so that we can work together to ensure students are protected.

Once informed, ZCS began its own investigation as well as cooperating with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. The employee submitted his resignation early in the process. Our review of ZCS electronic communications did not yield evidence of inappropriate communications using school devices. Additionally, no past report to school officials of inappropriate communications involving the former employee was discovered. Today I learned from law enforcement officials that the former employee was arrested and taken into custody. Requests for further details about this matter should be addressed to the Boone County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney or the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.

Our students’ safety and well-being are of paramount importance. We will continue to take all necessary actions to protect them and take seriously our duty to uphold the trust afforded ZCS by the Zionsville community. We appreciate the partnership with our law enforcement professionals which assists us in doing so.”